Executive summary

Like all ministries, Ministry of Economic Development and Growth/Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science (MEDG/MRIS) complies with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). This regulation established phased-in requirements in the following accessibility standards:

  • customer service
  • information and communications
  • employment
  • transportation
  • design of public spaces

The general requirements are:

  • procurement
  • training

In 2012, the Ontario Public Service (OPS) released its first multi-year accessibility plan (MYAP) entitled Accessibility in the Ontario Public Service: Leading the Way Forward.

MEDG/MRIS’s 2016 Accessibility Report demonstrates how the measures taken in 2016 support the key outcomes and deliverables of the 2012-2016 OPS MYAP.

Section one: report on measures taken by the ministry in 2016

Customer service

MYAP key outcome

People with disabilities who are OPS customers receive quality goods and services in a timely manner.

Measures taken by MEDG/MRIS in 2016

Commitments

OPS inclusion lens/policies
  • Encouraged staff to attend the OPS Inclusion Lens training through LearnON.
  • Monitored opportunities to increase the use of the OPS Inclusion Lens to review internal policies, procedures and practices to assure that accessibility is considered whenever OPS business is conducted via the Ministry’s Inclusion e-newsletter, highlighting the benefits of using the Lens.
Communications
  • Utilized available tracking and response mechanisms for accessibility-related feedback.
  • Increased awareness of accessibility requirements in stakeholder and public communications and customer service to the public.
  • Collected feedback received through all channels (e.g., online feedback form, correspondence, inquiries, meeting evaluations, in-person, telephone, in writing, by email or otherwise), analyzed feedback received to identify concerns, and responded to feedback as required.
  • Worked with Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) to ensure notifications are posted in a timely manner when renovations are taking place.
  • An internal website link is available to provide more information on accessible resources and training.
Training
  • Ensured staff completed mandatory accessibility training as soon as practicable.
  • Ensured new branch employees complete the IASR training.
  • Provided training to designated staff and their back-ups on the use of ministry assistive devices (TTY), and provided general information on assistive devices to all staff through the Intranet site.
  • Diversity and Accessibility Leads continued to complete the OPS Inclusion Lens train-the-trainer sessions as they become available.
  • Posted information and offered training on how to create accessible documents (E.g. Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint).
Emergency planning and business continuity
  • When and where applicable, the ministry ensured disruption notices were posted in a conspicuous place and online (if appropriate) when services were unavailable.
  • Ensured accessibility practices were followed in all areas of planning, including Program Review, Renewal and Transformation, Business Continuity and Emergency Planning. Planning accounted for the varied needs of people with disabilities.
  • All emergency evacuation procedures were reviewed using the OPS Inclusion Lens.
  • During Branch Business Continuity Planning training, all Leads were asked to review plans to ensure plans accommodate employees with disabilities.
Meeting and event planning
  • Every effort was made to ensure that when hosting meetings, venues were accessible and arrangements were made to accommodate any participants who required additional supports.
  • Offered and provided support on planning accessible meetings.
  • For 2016, the ministry contracted with the Ontario Centres of Excellence to develop and deliver the 2nd annual Accessibility Innovation Showcase (AIS) and Tech Pitch Competition in conjunction with the Discovery Conference.
  • Barriers were removed for the 34 participating companies exhibiting as they were not charged for participating in this event.
  • In addition to the exhibits and tech pitch competition, the event included an accessibility-focused panel, ‘How to Bring Accessibility Mainstream’, featuring companies with innovative commitments to accessibility.
  • The AIS program also included keynote speaker, Spencer West, an inspirational speaker, author and humanitarian who brought an educational element on accessibility to the main stage for more than 3,500 Discovery attendees, including the Hon. David C. Onley, Special Advisor on Accessibility.
  • Conference attendees were provided with Communication Access Real-Time Translation services for open captioning during the accessibility program and plenary session.
  • Work is underway for the 3rd annual Accessibility Innovation Showcase, which is being planned as a series of events:
    • AIS and Tech Pitch Competition at Discovery.
    • Joint AIS reception with the International Paralympic Committee’s VISTA Conference attendees.
    • Accessibility Innovation Showcase coinciding with the 2017 Invictus Games.
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
  • The Office of the Special Advisor on Accessibility continued to meet regularly with individuals who have disabilities. Where necessary, transportation services, attendants and/or interpreters were accessed for meetings, etc.
  • Changes to the Customer Service Standard were made based on recommendations from the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee in their review of the standard.
  • By updating the Customer Service Standard, we will continue to create a more accessible customer experience in Ontario. It’s another step we’re taking to fulfill our Action Plan commitments and build an accessible province by 2025.

Information and communications

MYAP key outcome

Information and communications are available in accessible formats or with necessary supports to all OPS staff and customers.

Measures taken by MEDG/MRIS in 2016

Commitments

Internal communication
  • An internal website link was available to provide more information on accessible resources and training.
  • Internal emails and training invites were sent to staff in an accessible format, and alternate formats are provided upon request.
  • The Ministry continued to ensure that staff updated information about protocols, hiring process, budgets, and account codes for dealing with alternate formats and communication support requests, and to create accessible events through intranet update and all staff communications.
  • The Ministry has a strong workflow in place to ensure that any material posted on the ministry website is fully accessible.
  • Upon request, the ministry will provide all external and internal stakeholders with accessible PowerPoint, Excel, Word and PDF files.
  • The ministry is working with vendors to ensure all intranet sites will meet the January 1, 2020 requirements.
  • Used a more accessible-friendly tool to conduct client satisfaction surveys (Survey Monkey).
  • Staff and/or management normally receive updates through OPS-wide channels such as IFIS Updates, HR Communicates, and OPS Weekly. Where appropriate, the ministry sends information about improving accessibility through the intranet and all staff communications.
Public internet site
  • Led Growth Firms publications and ensured they are accessible in both print and web versions.
  • Our Technology Adoption and Regional Growth Branch is focused on assisting high-growth firms grow their businesses domestically and internationally. Our offices in Ontario provide:
    • access to government programs and events
    • market intelligence
    • domestic and export market development support
    • financial analysis and other benchmarking tools to improve operations
    • access to public and/or private sector financing
    • support for innovation, new technology and productivity
Emergency and business continuity planning
  • The ministry has an Intranet site available for all staff with resources to assist in emergency planning for people with disabilities. This Intranet page is updated on a quarterly basis or as new information or material is available. The resources include:
    • evacuation procedures for people with disabilities
    • emergency evacuation plan template
    • evacuation assistance form
    • emergency preparedness guide for people with disabilities
  • Upon request, all emergency procedures, plans and other documents are available in accessible formats.
Training
  • Increased awareness and education about removing barriers by participating in the Accessibility Innovation Showcase and attending the Jobs Opportunities Information Network conference.
  • Delivered six training sessions to staff to raise awareness about accessibility requirements, and provide guidance and support.
  • Ensured staff received information on training requirements and completed mandatory accessibility training as soon as practicable.
  • Provided accessibility awareness and training on creating accessible Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint documents to ministry employees.
Ministry publication and events
  • The Office of the Special Advisor made every effort to accommodate all stakeholders. For any public facing documents, we would rely on expertise/resources from the Communications Branch and/or from the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario in terms of required formats. For internal documents, we relied on built-in accessibility features for Word/PDF documents.
  • All AIS program content on the Discovery website were accessible and available in English and French.

Employment

MYAP key outcome

OPS employees with disabilities participate fully and meaningfully in their employment.

Measures taken by MEDG/MRIS in 2016

Commitments

Training/resources
  • Developed a ministry Management Toolkit to provide management with easier access to information related to employment accommodation directives, policies and plans and promoted the use of iManage.
  • Informed managers of the mandatory “Disability Accommodation” e-course and “Supporting Employees: Employment Accommodation and Attendance Support” in-class training available through LearnON.
  • Fire wardens were provided with instructions on how to assist employees and visitors with disabilities during the semi-annual fire warden training.
  • Designated meeting spots continue to be identified for persons with disabilities on all ministry floors.
Human resources and accommodation requests
  • The Business Planning and Finance Branch ensured that all involved in the hiring process are aware of all protocols and hiring practices pertaining to accessibility.
  • The Ministry continued participation in the Diversity Mentoring Partnership Program (DMPP), now called the Diversity Careers Champions Program (DCCP), resulting in 22 employee participants and 17 management participants.
  • The Ministry managers worked directly with the Disability Support Services (DSS) in the Centre for Employee Health, Safety and Wellness (CEHSW) to assess individual accommodation and return-to-work needs on a case-by-case basis and implemented accommodation strategies based on the support and advice of the Disability Accommodation Specialist.
  • Management was required to include a commitment to ensure compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements and completion of mandated training.
  • The Ministry refreshed the Health, Safety and Wellness portal on the intranet site to provide all staff and management with ease of access to information related to employment accommodation resources.
  • The Ministry continued to post the 2013-2016 Inclusion Plan on the Inclusion intranet page. At the beginning of the 2016-17 performance cycle, the Ministry provided sample commitments about compliance with AODA requirements.
  • The Ministry provided assistance with accommodation requirements as needed, including:
    • height adjustable desks, monitor arms, keyboard trays, ergonomic chairs, dimmed lights and hands free phone-sets to staff as requested
  • The Ministry developed space standards for new renovation projects which include height adjustable workstations for all staff.
Mentoring and performance plans
  • All staff and management were encouraged to incorporate diversity and inclusion objectives in their performance plans. At the beginning of the 2016-17 performance cycle, the Ministry provided sample commitments about compliance with AODA requirements.
  • All Management Compensation Plan and Senior Management Group staff was asked to include Ministry developed commitments related to accessibility and inclusion in Performance Rating Assessments.
  • The Ministry required all senior executives to include a Ministry specific inclusion commitment for the 2016-17 performance management cycle as a requirement in Performance Rating Assessments.
Communication tools
  • Promoted and provided tools, through various channels, which encouraged the use of accessible formats and ensures accessibility through constant monitoring.
Emergency and business continuity planning
  • The Emergency Management Unit has an intranet site available for all staff with resources to assist in emergency planning for people with disabilities.
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
  • The Office of the Special Advisor continued to accommodate the accessibility needs of the Special Advisor and stakeholders with disabilities.

Design of public spaces

MYAP key outcome

There is greater accessibility into, out of and around OPS facilities and public spaces.

Measures taken by MEDG/MRIS in 2016

Commitments

Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
  • The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario conducted presentations and in-person outreach on the Design of Public Space Standard at a variety of conferences last year including Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario Conference, Ontario Professional Planners Institute Conference, and Parks and Recreation Ontario Conference. The Directorate also conducted five online webinars for stakeholders about the Design of Public Spaces Standard, and continued to disseminate information through a variety of channels such as the Directorate’s newsletter.
  • The Office of the Special Advisor has been equipped with a power door opener on the main entrance from the elevator lobby. Also the private washroom has been modified to eliminate a raised threshold in the doorway and has been equipped with grab bars.
Accessibility Innovation Showcase
  • The event was held in an accessible venue where additional measures and facilities upgrades were put in place in time for the event. Examples include additional accessible parking spots, door operators added to all public washrooms and development of a Guest Accessibility Package.
Facilities
  • During 2016, the Service Management and Facilities Branch continued to work with IO/CBRE to accommodate staff as required. Renovation of 56 Wellesley St W, 4th floor included pattern-guiding carpet tiles, braille and tactile way-finding signage.
  • The Ministry has developed design standards for newly built or renovated spaces that meet or exceed the Ontario Building Code and IO Guidelines for Barrier Free and Design of Ontario Government Facilities. Design principles included:
    • illumination – Light level in barrier free paths of travel to exceed 100 lux
    • enhanced way finding – including carpet tiles with directional patterns at 70% contrast, indicating path of travel, entry and exit points. Carpet will also produce minimal glare and be slip resistant. Grade 1 Braille and tactile signage standard that is consistent across ministry. Visible fire alarms and flashing egress lighting
    • doors and frames – Clearance requirements will exceed 865mm. Also, full length automatic door operators will be included on all main entrances.
    • control points – Doorbells, light switches and thermostats will be mounted at a maximum height of 1200mm
  • New Ministry signage standards were developed and roll out began on select floors within MEDG/MRIS.
  • Design standards for newly built or renovated spaces includes accessible universal washrooms.

General outcomes

MYAP key outcome

OPS staff are able to identify barriers to accessibility, in OPS policies, programs, services and facilities, and actively seek solutions to prevent or remove them on a continuing basis throughout the organization.

Measures taken by MEDG/MRIS in 2016

Commitments

Human Resources
  • One of the main focuses of the 2016 Ministry Wellness Fair was mental health awareness. The fair included two (2) exhibitors that provided tools and resources to cope with mental health issues, including stress management, and information was provided on accessibility awareness (Shepell.fgi, Strategic Zone Yoga, ADO Booth).
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
  • Office of the Special Advisor met with several internal OPS divisions and external stakeholders to discuss government policies/programs that seemed to conflict with overarching goal of removing barriers for those with disabilities. Many of these issues were brought forward to the ministry and/or other policy divisions as appropriate.
  • Office of the Special Advisor participated in whole-of-government review of employment services for people with disabilities that involved Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD), Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS), Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) and Ministry of Economic Development and Growth (MEDG). Provided input on several items to remove barriers for students with disabilities (secondary/post-secondary) and transitioning those who want to work into meaningful employment with wrap-around individual supports. The New Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities is expected to launch in Spring 2017.

Section two: addressing the identification of barriers in legislation and implementation frameworks

Introduction

In 2005, the government introduced the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, with the goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. In support of this goal, the government subsequently committed to review Ontario legislation to identify and address accessibility barriers, and undertook a coordinated review of 51 statutes considered to have a high impact on persons with disabilities.

As a result of this review, the government made changes to 11 statutes spread across seven ministries to ensure that Ontario laws better reflect accessibility considerations. The changes to the 11 statutes were included in the government’s 2016 Budget bill, which received Royal Assent on April 19, 2016.

Each ministry continues to be responsible for identifying and addressing barriers in their legislation and the policies and programs through which that legislation is implemented, and for reporting on results through its accessibility report.

Our Ministry remains committed to the goal of ensuring that Ontario legislation and implementation frameworks do not create barriers to persons with disabilities.

Measures in place in 2016

In the coming year, the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth and Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science will review the Acts, regulations, policies, programs practices and/or services listed below for barriers to persons with disabilities.

  • The ADO will continue to implement commitments outlined in the government response to the Moran Report, as well as in the Accessibility Action Plan, including the release of an annual Compliance Action Plan, and the development of a voluntary, third party accessibility certification program.
  • The Legal Services Branch will continue to work with the ministry to remedy statutory accessibility barriers across government and in Ontario.

Actions taken in the past year

  • In 2016, the AODA was amended by the Jobs for Today and Tomorrow Act (Budget Measures) S.O. 2016, c. 5, Sch. 1., R.A. 19 Apr 2016. These amendments allow for extension of certain AODA compliance periods to accommodate a person with a disability or any other reason the decision-maker considers is appropriate.
  • In 2016, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (O. Reg. 119/11) was amended by O. Reg. 165/16, filed June 6, 2016, and revoking O. Reg. 429/07 (Customer Service Regulation). These amendments amalgamated the CSR into the IASR. They also clarified the requirement for an obligated organization to inform the public about available accessibility supports and formats in its feedback process, if it has one.